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Monday 9am - 4pm Tuesday 9am - 4pm Wednesday 9am - 4pm Thursday 9am - 4pm Friday 9am - 4pm

dfusion

We innovate science-driven solutions to advance health and well-being. We are interested in a broad span of possibilities.

Science-Driven Behavioral Health Solutions

dfusion and its partners develop, test, evaluate, scale, and disseminate innovative solutions in the health and education arenas. We also offer consultation services and provide professional development opportunities to the field. We put the Diffusion of Innovation model to work in new and practical ways, building our capacity to expand implementation of both promising and proven interventions. Through our projects, dfusion examines and promotes the steps necessary to adopt healthier behaviors and identifies effective strategies to support every stage of the adoption process. We bring particular focus to health, risk and protective factors affecting youth development, economic opportunity, and technology learning and career paths.

11/13/2025

Real impact. Real families. Real results. 💙
"I have been telling a lot of my friends about [SkillFlix for Parents of Autistic Youth] and they want to know how to get to these info and videos. I have used it to help my son understand so much."

When parents find tools that truly work, they can't help but share them. SkillFlix for Parents of Autistic Youth provides bite-sized video modeling to help parents navigate communication, relationships, and everyday challenges with confidence.

✨ Brief, focused skill videos
✨ Evidence-based approach
✨ Real scenarios, real solutions
✨Always available learning

Ready to build your skills and support your autistic young adult? Learn more at http://skillfix.org

11/05/2025

When 40 Years of Science Meets Modern Innovation
What happens when evidence-based s*x education and EdTech innovation join forces?
Something transformative.
At EdTech Week 2025, a powerful realization: these two fields are solving the same challenge from different angles.
S*x ed brings decades of rigorous behavior change science, validated evaluation methods, and trauma-informed frameworks.
EdTech brings modern pedagogy, scalable delivery, and engagement strategies that match how students learn today.
Together? Game changing.
At dfusion, we're living this collaboration through MPC:VISTA—evolving the professional development and training for those teaching the Making Proud Choices curriculum.

The results: educators more than doubled LGBTQ+ inclusivity skills and tripled their ability to answer sensitive questions.
This is what's possible when evidence meets innovation. When proven content gets modern delivery. When we break down silos and build bridges instead.
The students who benefit most are those in under-resourced schools, LGBTQ+ youth, and students with disabilities—communities that deserve both evidence-based content and cutting-edge educational experiences.
The future of health education isn't choosing between science and innovation. It's bringing them together.
Full article in bio about why cross-sector collaboration is transforming education.
What other fields should be collaborating more? Drop your thoughts below.

*xEducation

10/28/2025

Last week, we co-hosted an incredible Game Development Incubator focused on environmental health education! 🎮🌱
In partnership with Field Day Learning Games and Clyr AI, we brought together educators and experts to generate innovative concepts for a learning game about indoor air quality. The energy and creativity in the room were amazing as we explored new ways to make environmental health literacy engaging and accessible for students.

Huge thanks to everyone who participated and contributed their expertise. This is just the beginning!

10/27/2025

Meet Tamara Kuhn: The Research Scientist Who Brings Science to Life 🔬💻
"At dfusion, science doesn't just live in academia or (metaphorically) dusty journals. I love that every day I get to actively apply research and science and fuse it with technology to build products that are impacting people's health."
That's Tamara Kuhn—CEO of dfusion, research scientist, and the person who figured out how to make behavioral science actually work in the real world.
The Path
In college, Tamara took psychology and sociology classes from the same professor. Psychology got a B—didn't click. Sociology got an A—everything made sense.
In grad school at Stanford, she started doing all the tech work in her department. That's when she realized not everyone in sociology had the same tech aptitude. The bridge between sociology and technology "has served me well for decades."
The Impact

35+ federally funded research projects directed or programmed
30+ NIH studies as PI or Co-PI
Built mobile apps, online trainings, clinical databases—all translating research into real impact
Focus: underserved populations (transgender women, Black MSM, Latinas, autistic young adults)

Why It Matters
Two professors told Tamara she could go to grad school. "It never would have occurred to me."
Now she tells kids they're smart and good at science. "It makes a big difference."
The Goal
Understanding why people do what they do. Then using that understanding—backed by evidence, delivered through technology—to help them make better choices.
That's translational research. That's what happens when science doesn't stay in dusty journals.

10/22/2025

Parenting an autistic teen? You're doing incredible work.
The teen years bring unique challenges - from navigating puberty and hygiene routines to supporting your child through relationships and important conversations about boundaries and safety.

We see you problem-solving, advocating, and showing up with patience every single day. These aren't conversations covered in typical parenting books, and you're figuring it out as you go.
You don't have to navigate this alone.

Our SkillFlix for Parents of Autistic Youth series addresses exactly these real-world challenges. Get practical strategies, conversation starters, and support for the topics that matter most during the teen years - all designed specifically for autism families.

Because your teen deserves parents who feel confident and supported. And you deserve resources that actually get it.

💬 What's one area where you could use more support right now? Let us know in the comments.

10/21/2025

At EdTech Week yesterday, BA Laris had the chance to demonstrate our gamepbased learning platforms to educators who are shaping the future of STEM learning.
Moments like these remind us why we do what we do—empowering teachers with the tools they need to inspire the next generation.
Couldn't make it to EdTech Week? Let's connect! Mia and BA will be at the conference for the next two days! Send us a DM to connect!

10/15/2025

Our STEMPlay Labs division is heading to EdTech Week NYC on October 20th to showcase how game-based learning can transform STEM education for underserved students.
STEMPlay Labs embodies dfusion's commitment to creating research-backed educational solutions that make a real difference. Their three products—STEMadium, Fantasy Sports Math League, and S³E—don't just engage students; they deliver measurable outcomes proven through rigorous randomized controlled trials.
The mission? Making sure every student, especially those who've struggled with traditional STEM education, can see themselves as capable mathematicians and scientists.
If you're attending EdTech Week, stop by the STEMPlay Labs booth to:

Experience hands-on demos of all three games
Learn about the university research behind measurable student gains
Discuss how real-world contexts transform learning outcomes

We're proud of the impact STEMPlay Labs is making in classrooms across the country, and we can't wait to connect with educators and innovators who share our passion for evidence-based, student-centered learning.
See you in NYC! 🗽

10/09/2025

WANT TO BE A BETTER ALLY TO AUTISTIC PEOPLE?
It starts with how we communicate.
Introducing "Meet in the Middle" - our FREE video series
Being a true ally means learning to:

Communicate more clearly and directly
Understand different communication styles
Create more inclusive conversations
Meet autistic people where they are

Why this matters for allies:

Real allyship requires action, not just good intentions
Small changes in how WE communicate make huge impacts
Inclusion is something we actively create together
Better communication = stronger, more authentic relationships

Perfect for allies who are:

Family members wanting to connect better
Educators creating inclusive classrooms
Coworkers building supportive workplaces
Friends who want to show up authentically

Ready to level up your allyship? Link in bio for FREE access!
True allies meet people where they are. Let's meet in the middle.

10/03/2025

💙 Let's talk about what the world gets wrong about autism.
Swipe through to discover the incredible strengths of autistic people and the myths that need to be retired.

Autism isn't something to fix - it's a different way of experiencing and interacting with the world. Autistic people bring unique perspectives, exceptional talents, and invaluable contributions to our communities.

At dfusion, we believe in celebrating neurodiversity, not changing it. That's why our SkillFlix for Autistic Young Adults and SkillFlix for Parents of Autistic Youth programs focus on building skills while honoring each person's authentic self.
🌟 Autistic young adults deserve resources that help them thrive on their own terms - navigating relationships, advocating for themselves, and living independently with confidence.
🌟 Parents deserve support that celebrates their child's strengths while providing practical tools for real-world challenges.

Because the goal isn't to make autistic people more "normal" - it's to create a world that values and supports neurodiversity.

💬 What's one autistic strength you wish more people recognized? Share in the comments!

10/02/2025

From vision to reality.
For years, dfusion has been on a mission: create learning experiences so engaging that students forget they're learning.
Today, we're proud to introduce STEMPlay Labs—a new division that brings our research-proven games together under one powerful brand.
This is what happens when you refuse to accept that any kid is "not a math person."

Welcome to the future of STEM learning.
http://STEMPlayLabs.org

09/29/2025

Filming our SkillFlix videos is so much fun! Getting to work with the fabulous crew at Second Peak and with an amazing cast is the best. Dr. Schieber shares about the recent shoot she led for the SkillFlix for Substance Use Treatment Providers Working with Autistic Clients.

09/26/2025

Pilots train with simulators. Surgeons practice with VR. Military uses virtual combat training.

And teachers? They practice in real time with real students.
We expect educators to handle their most challenging conversations - about s*xual health, relationships, consent - through trial and error with actual teens.

What virtual training gives educators:
- Safe space to practice sensitive conversations
- Dozens of "what if" scenarios
- Build confidence before real students
- No geographic or budget barriers

The future of teacher prep is on it's way - and it's more accessible than ever! Making Proud Choices!: Virtual Simulation Training Academy is a online learning platform for educators that includes a simulation classroom. This teacher training tool allows teachers to practice responding to students, lead activities, and navigate complex classroom dynamics.

If we can simulate brain surgery, we can definitely simulate classroom conversations about contraception and consent.

*xualHealthEducation

Address

230 Mt Hermon Road , Suite 210
Scotts Valley, CA
95066

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 4pm
Tuesday	9am - 4pm
Wednesday	9am - 4pm
Thursday	9am - 4pm
Friday	9am - 4pm

Website

http://www.dfusioninc.com/

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